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Elderly parents

Jibe, jibe jibe. I have totally had enough!

31 replies

Frazzledmummy123 · 29/07/2021 14:49

Sorry, I really need to vent.

I don't have the energy to go into detail about the background as post is likely to be super long as it is. Details are on previous posts. In short, I don't drive and my parents are in their 80s and think when my dad (who has declining mobility) stops driving, I am to get a car and start driving them about.

I am subjected to constant guilt tripping digs and about this, usually along the lines of my mum pointing out in her 'having a dig' voice how family or friend's kids give them lifts 'and so they should after all they've done for them'. Today's was claiming my cousin (who gave them a lift to my aunts house yesterday) said 'he would be happy to drive them after everything they did for him'. Personally I call bullsh*t that this was said and is just another stunt to make me feel guilty and get me driving to please her.

My mum has never driven herself so has a bit of a cheek to be insisting I drive when I don't feel comfortable, and have 3 young kids (2 with additional needs) to look after as well as deal with her behaviour.

She goes on about all they have done for me? First of all, that is total manipulation What they have done for me was always obviously done to use as a weapon for their old age so I do what they want. Secondly, what they have done for me? is give me PTSD by narcissistic behaviour and childish tantrums when madam doesn't get things her way, and an ongoing neighbour dispute which she largely provoked? (I was attacked in the street both verbally and physically by these neighbours, had lies spread about me around the neighbourhood, and police involvement on a regular basis, etc). Yet I am meant to 'owe them' now Angry.

I help with shopping and order things they need online, etc. However I draw the line at driving when I don't feel safe behind a wheel merely to facilitate my parent's desire to stay in an inaccessible house in middle of suburbia (with same neighbours I might add!) and no personal responsibility taken for themselves.

Sorry for the long rant. If you have read his far, thank you Flowers . I have tried to talk reasonably to them but all I get is contempt and sarcy comments. If I call her out on her jibes she will gaslight me and deny she was making one Hmm. I literally can't do it any more. If the worst she has with me is I don't drive I'd love to see her with a REALLY bad daughter Hmm

OP posts:
Frazzledmummy123 · 29/07/2021 15:12

Thanks guys Flowers .

My cousin only helped out yesterday because they were visiting his mum.

Both my parents are emotionally immature and my dad has done everything for my mum her whole life since they met. Drove her everywhere, did shopping for her, carried all her bags, etc, and he took crap off her too but still did it.

I am not my dad and won't be bullied. I guess this is my life now because madam's life isn't how she wants it anymore Sad

OP posts:
KhalliWhalli · 29/07/2021 15:12

I remember you OP. They can afford taxis. Don’t drive if you don’t want to.

rubyandbel · 29/07/2021 15:05

This is ridiculous. If you don't drive or choose to drive thats up to you. Don't let them bully you.

Theunamedcat · 29/07/2021 15:03

Why do you need me to drive when cousin will do it for me

You dont need my help anymore you have cousin to help you

I'm not sure why your calling on me clearly everyone else is helping you now I can get on with my own life

Of course I'm a terrible daughter personally i blame the parents

72WayTooCool · 29/07/2021 15:01

Sorry to hear this OP. I think I will be in a similar position soon as my DM (mental health issues, narcissistic personality, mobility problems) is very likely to have to stop driving very soon too.

I live close by, I do have a DB, but he lives 200 miles away (sensible move as it turns out) so I know that I will be 'expected' to do the ferrying about when the time comes. I'm not sure what the answer is, although I do keep reminding myself of that old MN adage, 'No is a complete sentence'.

CMOTDibbler · 29/07/2021 14:56

All I can advise, if you don't want to reduce contact, is to do a bingo card of stuff they have a dig about or say, so you can do a mental bingo! moment when this stuff is said, and it really does take the sting out of it. When we were going through a very difficult time with the PILs, dh and I made up actual cards and would tick them off when we had to go and visit and whoever got a line/full house got to choose dinner when we left. FIL would come out with some snark, and I'd be internally going 'yes! I've got that' and laughing inside.

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